In the most recent update pertaining to 2017’s devastating California forest fires, the Ventura County Fire Department has released a report determining that the Thomas Fire was caused by faulty power lines owned by Southern California Edison.

Ventura County Fire Department Report

Following a 13-month investigation, the Ventura County Fire Department released their findings on March 14, 2019.

According to the report, the fire investigation team assigned to determine the cause of the Thomas fire concluded that the fire began when energized power lines owned by Southern California Edison came into contact with each other due to high winds. This occurrence is commonly called a line slap.

These power lines reportedly created an electrical arc, which emitted burning molten aluminum particles. When these particles came into contact with the dry California vegetation, they ignited the plants, grass, and trees in the surrounding area, starting the fire. The report begins with a list of several criminal violations related to the fires, including involuntary manslaughter and unlawfully starting a fire.

Background on the Thomas Fire

The Thomas Fire ignited in December 2017 and burned across more than 280,000 acres of land for 40 days before it was finally controlled in mid-January 2018.

At the time of the Thomas Fire, it was the largest California forest fire in recent history. It is estimated to have caused more than $2.2 billion in damages, including more than $177 million in fire suppression efforts. The blaze damaged or destroyed more than 1,000 buildings and homes in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. In addition to the economic impact of the Thomas Fire, it also resulted in the deaths of two people, including one firefighter.

What is Southern California Edison?

Southern California Edison is an electric utilitiy company serving approximately 15 million people in the Fresno area of California. After allegations that sparks from the company’s power lines ignited multiple California forest fires, dozens of lawsuits have been filed against the utilities company. More than 2,000 plaintiffs in over 80 cases are seeking damages from Southern California Edison regarding the Thomas Fire and other California forest fires.

Additionally, Southern California Edison is now facing over a billion dollars in insurance claims from victims who suffered personal injuries or property damage due to the blaze.

It is unclear whether equipment owned by Southern California Edison is responsible for any other recent California forest fires. Dozens of property owners in the Los Angeles area are trying to hold the company liable for starting the Woolsey Fire.

Another regional utility, Pacific Gas and Electric, has been implicated as a possible cause of the Camp Fire.

If you have suffered property damage or personal injuries related to the Thomas fire or other California forest fires, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. Damages to structures and homes, landscaping, or fencing may qualify, as well as damages for emotional distress, income loss, or injuries. Even if you have already received compensation from an insurance claim, you may still be able to join a California wildfires lawsuit investigation.

This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.